Cycling head support

ABSTRACT

A cycling head support includes a helmet ( 43 ) a tower ( 44 ) a helmet fastening system ( 39,40 ), a pair of leg loops ( 37 ), and a system of straps extending along a cyclist&#39;s back between the helmet fastening system at one end and the leg loops at the other end. The system of straps includes a neck strap ( 21 A) that detachably connects to the helmet using the helmet fastening system. The neck strap connects at the lower end to a ladder lock buckle ( 19 A). The ladder lock buckle conects to a back strap ( 17 A) which is attached to a triangular O-ring ( 35 ) by means of a slider buckle ( 33 ). A pair of hip straps ( 15 A) is attached to the triangular O-ring. A leg loop is attached to the lower end of each hip strap.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0001] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING PROGRAM

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to bicycles, specifically to a device thatpromotes a safe, forward-facing head posture, provides for improvedcyclist speed and endurance, and reduces the incidence of muscle ache inthe neck and upper back.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0004] Modern high performance bicycles permit the cyclist to “crouchdown” into a streamlined posture. The crouched posture reducesaerodynamic drag thereby improving cycle speed. However, the crouchedposture makes viewing in the forward direction difficult. To faceforward, the cyclist must crane the neck forward by tensing theposterior muscles of the neck and upper back. The effort is tiresome,uncomfortable, and eventually leads to muscle ache. Consequently, it isdifficult to maintain the head in a forward-facing posture for extendedperiods of time. Periodically, the cyclist must rest the neck and backmuscles thereby allowing the head to drop into a downward-facingposture. Such lapses in forward vision may lead to accidents.

[0005] A further consequence of the muscle exertion in the neck andupper back is a reduction in speed and endurance. As these muscles tire,it becomes increasingly difficult for the cyclist to maintain astreamlined, crouched-down posture. Periodically, the cyclist must restby sitting in an upright posture, creating increased aerodynamic drag.It has been estimated that if a professional bike rider could maintain acrouched posture for the entire distance of a 50 miles race, the timefor riding that distance could be reduced by several minutes. As such,the cyclist tires prematurely thereby leading to degraded performance.

[0006] To address the problem, inventors have created opticalinstruments that improve the rider's forward field of view. U.S. Pat.No. 4,647,165 to Lewis describes an optical viewing system that usesprisms to enable the cyclist to view forward from a downward-facing headposture. U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,916 to Roller uses a pair of goggle-mountedmirrors to enable the cyclist to view forward from a downward-facinghead posture. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,316 to Le Vantine uses asystem of mirrors mounted to the handle bar to enable forward viewingfrom a downward-facing head posture. However, these devices have notgained widespread popularity, perhaps due to the discrepency between thedownward direction of the eyes and the forward direction of the image,which slows reflexes and may cause a sense of disorientation.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,515 to McGlew teaches the use of a paddedchin support mounted to a bicycle's handle bars. The rider rests hischin on the device to support a forward-facing head posture. While thedevice provides the desired head support for the normal crouchedposture, it does not support the full range of body postures used by acyclist over the course of a typical ride. For example, when the riderstands out of the saddle, the rider's chin is too high to be engaged bythe chin support. When the rider leans into a turn, the rider's chin isshifted too far to the side to be engaged by the chin support. When therider climbs a hill, the chin is too far forward to be comfortablyengaged by the chin support. In summary, the benefits of the chinsupport are provided for only a limited range of rider postures.

[0008] A number of devices have been invented to control head and neckposture for sports other than cycling. However, the object of thesedevices is not to support a particular head posture, but rather toprevent injury. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 3,818,509 to Romo et al,U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,613 to Reggio et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,671,974 toSims. A feature common to these devices is the employment of a strap orwire on the back of the wearer that connects a body harness to a helmet.In each of these devices, the straps have a short length so that forwardneck motion is limited to prevent injuries such as flexion-cervicalsprain which occurs when the head is snapped forward. While such devicesdo control neck posture, the limitations on neck movement make themunsuitable for cycling applications. Full motion of the neck isimportant for the cyclist to permit viewing traffic approaching frombehind and to help maintain balance.

[0009] One invention that does not claim to provide head support isdisclosed by Bourdon in U.S. Pat. No. 1,136,307. Bourdon's deviceincludes an elastic strap that connects a head piece to either ashoulder strap or to the garment of the wearer. The strap of Bourdon'sdevice does not provide head support, but is intended rather to hold thearticle of head gear in position.

[0010] As such, there is need of a device for cyclists that promotes aforward-facing head posture, useful for a wide range of body postures,with benefits to include improved forward vision, reduced neck and backstrain, and improved comfort.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0011] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

[0012] (a) to promote a forward-facing head posture that provides animproved awareness of obstacles ahead;

[0013] (b) to reduce the effort required to maintain the head in aforward-facing posture;

[0014] (c) to provide a more comfortable, relaxed cycling experience;

[0015] (d) to reduce the occurance of accidents caused by fatigueinduced lapses in forward-facing head posture;

[0016] (e) to reduce the incidence of muscle ache and pain in the upperback and neck;

[0017] (f) to improve cyclist speed and endurance by extending theduration that the cyclist can maintain a crouched posture;

[0018] (g) to allow full freedom of motion for the cyclist's head, neckand shoulders;

[0019] (h) to reduce compression of the cyclist's spinal column;

[0020] (i) to provide consistent head support over the wide range ofcycling conditions encountered on a typical ride;

[0021] (j) to introduce new cycling equipment with wide appeal to bothrecreational and competitive cyclists.

[0022] Other objects and advantages are

[0023] (a) comfort

[0024] (b) ease-of-use

[0025] (c) low manufacturing costs

[0026] Further objects and advantages of my invention will becomeapparent from a consideraton of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

[0027] The present invention includes a system of straps connecting acyclist's head gear to an aft anchoring point. The general objective isto support the head such that muscle tension is reduced in the upperback and neck. Additional benefits include enhanced safety, reducedmuscle fatigue and improved comfort. An example embodiment includes anelastic, stretchable strap extending between a cyclist's helmet and thelower back. At the upper end, the strap has an attachment mechanism fordetachably connecting with the cyclist's helmet and at the lower end thestrap connects to a pair of hip straps, with each hip strap ending witha leg loop to attach to the riders's legs. As the cyclist crouches down,the elastic strap stretches, gently lifting the head into an effortless,forward-facing head posture.

DRAWINGS Drawing Figures

[0028]FIGS. 1A to 1C show a head support employing garment clips.

[0029]FIGS. 2A to 2B show a head support employing leg loops.

[0030]FIGS. 3A to 3B show a head support employing a pelvic harnessintegrated into a garment.

[0031]FIGS. 4A to 4C show a head support employing a bicycle-mountedpivoting rod.

[0032]FIGS. 5A to 5B show a head support employing a bicycle-mountedrod.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0033]11 head support employing garment clips

[0034]13 garment clips

[0035]15 hip straps

[0036]17 back strap

[0037]19 strap-length-adjustment buckle

[0038]21 neck strap

[0039]23 loop surface piece

[0040]25 hook surface piece

[0041]29 cycling helmet (not part of present invention)

[0042]31 head support employing leg loops

[0043]15A hip straps

[0044]17A back strap

[0045]19A neck-strap-length-adjustment buckle

[0046]21A neck strap

[0047]33 back-strap-length-adjustment buckle

[0048]35 triangular O-ring

[0049]37 leg loops

[0050]39 snap-fastener-female member

[0051]41 snap-fastener-male member

[0052]43 cycling helmet

[0053]44 helmet tower

[0054]45 head support employing a garment with an integrated pelvicharness

[0055]47 holder cord

[0056]49 collar clip

[0057]53 cycling garment

[0058]55 breakaway-connection-male member

[0059]57 breakaway-connection-female member

[0060]59 helmet-attachment-loop piece

[0061]61 leg loops

[0062]15B hip straps

[0063]17B back strap

[0064]63 button hole

[0065]65 button

[0066]67 three strap joiner piece

[0067]71 head support employing a pivotably-mounted rod

[0068]23A loop surface piece

[0069]25A hook surface piece

[0070]73 rod

[0071]75 head-lifting cord

[0072]76 mounting-bracket assembly

[0073]77 support-arm pieces

[0074]79 pivot pin

[0075]81 protection sleeve

[0076]83 machine screws

[0077]85 ring

[0078]87 slide

[0079]91 head support employing a fixed mounted rod

[0080]23B loop surface piece

[0081]25B hook surface piece

[0082]73A rod

[0083]75A head-lifting cord

[0084]95 rod mounting clamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview of Alternative Embodiments

[0085] The present invention employs a novel approach to promoting asafe, forward-facing head posture for cyclists. As such, the inventionsupports a broad breath of embodiments. In each of the embodiments, astrap in tension connected to a cyclist's head gear is employed tocounter the downward-facing tendency of the head. The strap acts inparallel with the posterior muscles of the neck and upper back, enablingthe muscles to be relaxed. The embodiments differ in how the aft end ofthe strap is anchored.

[0086] Three of the example embodiments use a strap that is anchored tothe rider. These anchoring methods include the use of garment clips, legloops, and a harness integrated into the cyclist's clothing. In additionto cycling, these embodiments are also suitable for equestrian andmotorcross activities.

[0087] Two of the example embodiments use a strap that is anchored tothe bicycle. In both methods, a rod mounted aft of the bicycle saddle isused to anchor the strap. In one embodiment, the rod is pivotablymounted so that it can be tilted aft to provide clearance for thecyclist's leg as the cyclist mounts and dismounts the bicycle. In theother embodiment, the rod is mounted at a swept back angle to providethe desired leg clearance.

[0088] In each of the embodiments, the strap tension works in parallelwith the posterior muscles of the upper back and neck. The tension inthe strap supports the head, alleviating the need for tension in themuscles. Further, the embodiments reduce compression of the spinalcolumn. Since the straps have a greater offset from the spinal columnthan the muscles, the desired head lifting moment is acheived withreduced total tension causing a reduction in the total compressive loadon the spinal column.

[0089] To improve the clarity of the drawings, the embodiments areillustrated with components that are heavier than necessary. The figuresshows straps that are thicker and buckles that are larger than necessaryso that the drawings are easier to understand. However, lightercomponents are advantageous as they provide reduced wind resistance,lighter weight and improved comfort. When viewing the figures, thereader should remember that the embodiments may be of lighterconstruction than that shown, and in fact, a lighter construction isgenerally desireable.

[0090] The terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ are used to specify a particularend of a component. The term ‘upper’ is used to indicate the end that isclosest to the rider's head and the term ‘lower’ is used to indicate theopposite end, being furthest from the rider's head.

[0091] Description—FIG. 1—Head Support Employing Garment Clips

[0092] A head support employing garment clips 11 is illustrated in FIG.1A as it would appear when not in use and in FIG. 1C as it would appearin use. A buckle used for the embodiment is illustrated as it wouldappear without the strap in FIG. 1B. The present embodiment is intendedfor use with existing cycling clothing and helmets.

[0093] The head support includes a pair of garment clips 13 that connectto a cyclist's trousers, a fastening system for attachment to a cyclinghelmet, and a system of straps extending between the garment clips andthe helmet fastening system.

[0094] The helmet is any of the helmets used to provide head protectionfor cyclists, typically having a hard protective impact resistent shellthat covers the top and sides of the wearer's head and a chin strap tosecure the helmet to the wearer's head. The helmet is not part of thepresent embodiment.

[0095] A hook and loop fastening system detachably secures the upper endof a neck strap 21 to the helmet. The fastening system includes a hooksurface piece 25 and a loop surface piece 23. The hook surface piece hasa layer of adhesive on the back for permanent attachment to the helmet.Before use, the adhesive layer is protected with a covering layer ofpaper, plastic or other suitable material.

[0096] The loop surface piece is secured to the upper end of the neckstrap with stitching. The hook and loop fastening system is used tosecure the neck strap to the helmet of FIG. 1C, but is not visible.

[0097] Neck strap 21 is an assembly of segments of cord, line, webbing,ribbon, rope, filament, or strap. The segments are connected in serieswith at least one segment 21 being elastic and stretchable. Theelasticity of the strap is such that a comfortable strap tension ismaintained, pulling the top of the helmet backwards to promote aforward-facing head posture. As the cyclist crouches down, the distancefrom the head to the hips increases, causing the strap to stretchtighter. As the strap tension increases, the head is gently lifted intoa relaxed, easy-to-maintain forward-facing head posture. The neck staplength is typically about one foot or less, depending on the build andpreferrence of the rider.

[0098] The neck strap is connected to a back strap 17 with astrap-length-adjustment-buckle 19. The buckle is of the type sometimesreferred to as a ladder-lock buckle. This type of buckle is widely usedin backpack designs for length adjustment of the shoulder straps. Thebuckle, shown in FIG. 1B, is basically a rectangular O-ring with tworungs passing through the opening: an upper rung and a lower rung. Thelower end of the neck strap is formed into a loop about the upper rungof the buckle and stitched in place to secure the neck strap to thebuckle. The upper end of a back strap 17 is passed through the openingbetween the rungs from below, over the lower rung and down through theopening below the lower rung, exiting on the underside of lower end ofthe buckle.

[0099] Back strap 17 is a segment of cord, ribbon, rope, filament, line,webbing, fabric or strap. The strap is made of a flexible, lightweightmaterial, with a strap length that is generally between one foot and twofeet depending on the height of the cyclist.

[0100] The lower end of the back strap is secured to the upper ends of apair of hip straps 15 with stitching. The hip straps are segments offlexible cord, ribbon, rope, filament, line, webbing or strap. The twohip straps have the same length, generally being between five andfifteen centimeters long.

[0101] One garment clip is secured to the lower end of each hip strap.These clips are of a type often used in suspenders to secure thesuspender straps to trousers.

[0102] The strength of the straps, buckles, and fasteners of the headsupport device is generally specified to support tensions of up to about10 lbs, depending on the wearer's build and preference.

[0103] The present embodiment provides an inexpensive, easy-to-usedevice intended to introduce cyclists to the head support. Preparationis quick, easy, and requires no tools. The device is ready for usewithin minutes of purchase and can be used with existing helmets andclothing.

[0104] Description—FIG. 2 Head Support Employing Leg Loops

[0105] An embodiment of a head support employing leg loops 31 isillustrated in FIG. 2A as it would appear when not in use and in FIG. 2Bas it would appear in use.

[0106] Head support 31 includes a pair of leg loops 37 that encircle theuser's thighs, a cycling helmet 43, and a system of straps extendingbetween the helmet and the leg loops.

[0107] Helmet 43 of the present embodiment is similar to existingcycling helmets, but is fitted with a snap fastener system to provide adetachable connection to a neck strap 21A. A snap-fastener-female member41 is secured to a helmet tower 44. The tower is mounted to the top ofhelmet 43 with adhesive, rivets, bolts or screws.

[0108] A snap-fastener-male member 39 is secured to the upper end of theneck strap using stitching, adhesive, or rivets. The snap-fastenersystem prevents injury by enabling the neck strap to detach should thestrap snag on a stationary object such as a tree branch or a fence post.

[0109] The tower is a light-weight structure of plastic, extending aninch or two above the helmet. The function of the tower is to increasethe head lifting leverage of the neck strap. An optional reflectorsurface may be attached to the back side of the tower to make the helmeteasier to see at night. The reflector surface is not shown in thefigures.

[0110] Neck strap 21A is an assembly of segments of cord, line, webbing,ribbon, rope, filament, or strap. The strap segments are connected inseries with at least one segment of the neck strap being elastic andstretchable. The elasticity of the strap is such that a comfortablestrap tension is maintained, pulling the top of the helmet backwards topromote a forward-facing head posture.

[0111] The neck strap is connected to a back strap 17A with aneck-strap-length-adjustment buckle 19A. The buckle is of the typesometimes referred to as a ladder-lock buckle. This type of buckle isused for the first embodiment, however, in this embodiment, thedirection of the buckle is reversed, with the free end of the neck strapemerging from the upper end of the buckle. The back strap is loopedabout the lower rung, and secured in place with stitching.

[0112] The back strap is a segment of cord, ribbon, rope, filament,line, webbing or strap. The strap is made of a flexible, lightweightmaterial. The strap length is generally less than two feet, depending onthe size and body build of the rider.

[0113] The lower end of the back strap is secured to the upper ends of apair of hip straps 15A with a triangular O-ring 35. The back strap ispassed through the triangular O-ring and attached to itself with aback-strap-length-adjustment buckle 33.

[0114] The back-strap-length-adjustment buckle is of a type sometimesreferred to as a slider buckle. This type of buckle is used in manysatchel designs for adjustment of shoulder strap length. The sliderbuckle is made of nylon or metal, and has a rectangular form with a rungthrough the middle. A loop is formed from the lower end of the backstrap about the middle rung of the slider buckle and secured in placewith stitching.

[0115] As the slider buckle is moved away from the O-ring, the portionof the strap that is doubled-up lengthens, causing the overall length tobe reduced. Conversely, as the slider buckle is moved towards theO-ring, the overall length increases. The slider buckle locks intoposition when the strap is in tension, due to increased friction betweenthe rung and the strap.

[0116] The present embodiment employs two separate strap lengthadjustments, the ladder-lock buckle and the slider buckle. Theladder-lock buckle adjusts the length of the neck strap, which isstretchable and elastic, and the slider buckle adjusts the length of theback strap, which is not stretchable. Either buckle can be used toadjust the overall length. By having two buckles, the rider can controlthe length of the elastic strap and separately control the overall straplength. By providing separate length control for the stretchable andnon-stretchable sections, the rider can control the rate at which thestrap provides support as the rider crouches down.

[0117] The triangular O-ring is a ring of metal or nylon having threestraight segments connected together by means of curved segments. Atleast two of the straight segments have the same length and these form ashape like the letter “V” with the point of the “V” facing downward. Thethird side is the uppermost segment and is oriented horizontally when inuse.

[0118] The hip straps are attached to each of the two lower sides of thetriangular O-ring. The attachments are made by forming loops in the hipstraps about the O-ring, and securing the loops with stitching.

[0119] The hip straps are segments of flexible cord, ribbon, rope,filament, line, webbing or strap. Both hip straps have the same length,generally being between two and fifteen centimeters long.

[0120] One leg loop is secured to the lower end of each hip strap. Theleg loops are segments of flexible cord, ribbon, rope, filament, line,webbing or strap. The free-ends of each segment are stitched together toform the loop. The loop circumference is sized to fit loosely around thecyclist's thighs.

[0121] The straps, buckles, fasteners, and leg loops are intended tosupport tension loads of up to 10 lbs, depending on the wearer'spreference and body build.

[0122] The cyclist's head support eases the effort required to maintaina forward-facing head posture from the crouched-down position. Thebenefits include enhanced safety, improved speed and reduced muscle achein the neck and upper back.

[0123] The leg loops of the present embodiment can be used with mostexisting cycling clothing to provide a secure, comfortable means ofanchoring the lower end of the head support to the rider. The use of twobuckles for length-adjustment provides for improved support over a widerange of rider postures. The helmet is equipped with a helmet tower toprovide increased leverage thereby permitting an effortlessforward-facing head posture with reduced compression of the spinalcolumn.

[0124] Description—FIG. 3 Head Support Employing a Garment with anIntegrated Pelvic Harness

[0125] An embodiment of a head support employing a garment with anintegrated pelvic harness 45 is illustrated in FIG. 3A as it wouldappear when not in use and in FIG. 3B as it would appear when in use.

[0126] The head support includes a cycling garment 53, ahelmet-attachment-loop piece 59 for attachment to helmet 29, and asystem of straps extending between the cycling garment and the helmetfastening system. The helmet is any of the helmets used to provide headprotection for cyclists. The helmet is not part of the presentembodiment.

[0127] Helmet attachment loop piece 59 is a segment of cord, ribbon orstrap, in which the ends are connected together by means of stitching. Abreakaway connection is used to fasten helmet attachment loop piece 59to the upper end of a back strap 17B.

[0128] The breakaway connnection includes a breakaway-connection-malemember 55 that is secured to the lower end of the helmet attachment loopand a breakaway-connection-female member 57 that is secured to the upperend of the back strap. The male member fits snugly inside the femalemember. The fit is specified to enable the connection to break at apreset tension. The breakaway tension is selected to be sufficient toprovide adequate head support, but not so great that a snagged strap cancause neck injury. Typically, the breakaway tension setting will be inthe range of 1 to 10 lbs, depending on the body build and supportpreference of the rider.

[0129] Back strap 17B is similar to the back straps of theaforementioned embodiments, being an assembly of segments of cord,ribbon, rope, filament, line, webbing, fabric, or strap. The strapsegments are made of flexible, lightweight materials with at least onesegment being stretchable and elastic. The overall back strap length isgenerally between one foot and three feet depending on the body build ofthe rider.

[0130] A holder cord 47 is secured to back strap 17B near the upper endof the back strap. A collar clip 49 is secured to the other end of theholder cord. The holder cord is a segment of cord with a length of aboutfifteen centimeters. The collar clip is a small clamp intended to befastened to clothing, such as the collar of the cyclist's shirt. Thecollar clip is of a type found in many suspender designs for attachmentto trousers.

[0131] The lower end of the back strap is attached to a pair of hipstraps 15B with a three strap joiner piece 67. The joiner piece is athree sided piece of leather or plastic. The straps are secured to thejoiner piece with stitching or adhesive.

[0132] The lower ends of the hip straps each have a button 65 forattachment to a cycling garment 53. The cycling garment includes aconventional cycling garment such as trousers, shorts or a body suit anda pelvic harness comprising a pair of leg loops 61 that are sewn intothe garment.

[0133] The harness loops are secured to the inside of the garment in theregion of the lower back by means of stitching. A pair of flaps aremounted on the outside of the garment, directly behind the loop-garmentattachment. Stitching for the flap attachment secures the flap to thegarment and secures the garment to the loop ends. Each flap is about aninch long and has a button hole 63 for receiving the buttons of the hipstraps.

[0134] By design, flap is attached directly behind the garment-loop, anytension applied to the flap is transferred directly to the leg loops.The leg loops are sized such that when the flaps are pulled upwards,tension is supported by the leg loops rather than by the crotch of thegarment.

[0135] While the present embodiment is more complicated and moreexpensive to produce than the aforementioned embodiments, it offerspotential for greater convenience in that the rider need not put on legloops or attach garment clips before use. Further, the leg loopsintegrated into the garment offer potential for greater comfort. Thecollar clip and holder cord provide a means to prevent the back strapfrom dangling should the helmet connection become detached.

[0136] Description—FIG. 4 Head Support Employing a Pivotably-Mounted Rod

[0137] An embodiment of a head support employing a pivotably-mounted rod71 is illustrated in FIG. 4A as it would appear when not in use and inFIG. 4C as it would appear when in use.

[0138] The head support 71 includes a bicycle-mounted rod 73, a helmetfastening system, and a head-lifting cord 75 extending between thehelmet fastening system and the bicycle-mounted rod.

[0139] Rod 73 is made from a light-weight, flexible material such asfiberglass, composites, bamboo, or plastic. The cross sectional shape ofrod 73 is circular. The rod length is about 4 feet; long enough toprevent the cord from rubbing against the back of the crouched rider.

[0140] The helmet fastening system detachably connects a helmet 29 tocord 75. Helmet 29 is any of the helmets used to provide head protectionfor cyclists. The helmet is not part of the present embodiment.

[0141] The helmet fastening system includes a loop surface piece 23A anda hook surface piece 25A. A layer of adhesive is attached to the back ofthe hook surface piece for attachment to the helmet. (A similar helmetattachment system is used for the embodiment of FIG. 1.)

[0142] Head-lifting cord 75 is an assembly of segments of cord, ribbon,rope, filament, line, webbing or strap, connected in series. One segmentof the cord is elastic and stretchable. The combined flexure of the cordand rod is such that a comfortable strap tension is maintained. As thecyclist crouches down, tension in the cord increases, gently lifting thehead to support a forward-facing head posture.

[0143] The lower end of cord 75 is passed through a ring 85 and securedto itself by means of a slide 87. An opening is provided in the rod,near the upper end, for receiving the ring. The ring is a cylindricallyshaped segment of metal that is passed through the rod opening, andformed into a ring, such that the segment ends contact each other.

[0144] The slide is of a type commonly used to adjust the length of guylines for small portable tents. The slide, shown in FIG. 4B as it wouldappear without the cord, consists of a thin elongated piece of nylon,having three circular openings, with a diameter slightly larger than thediameter of cord 75. Two of the openings are near the lower end, a lowerend opening and an middle opening. The third opening is near the upperend.

[0145] The lower end of the cord is passed through upper-end opening ofthe slide and then passed through the slide middle opening. The cord endis then passed through ring 85 and then through the slide lower endopening. A knot is made at the end of the cord to prevent it from beingpulled through the lower end opening.

[0146] The rod is mounted to the bicycle behind the saddle using amounting-bracket assembly 76. The bicycle is any of the bicycles inwhich the cyclist uses a conventional, non-reclining posture. Thebicycle is not part of the present invention.

[0147] The mounting-bracket assembly includes a pair of support-armpieces 77, a protection sleeve 81, a set of three screws 83, and a pivotpin 79.

[0148] The lower end of rod 73 is pivotably mounted between the pair ofsupport-arm pieces. The support-arm pieces are thin elongated pieces ofmetal, nylon or any other strong, lightweight material. The pieces arecurved and bent to enable the forward end of the support-arm pieces tobe tightened about the seat post of the bicycle. To protect the bicyclefinish, protection sleeve 81 is inserted between the bicycle frame andthe support-arm pieces. The protection sleeve is a sheet of soft plasticmaterial such as polypropylene.

[0149] The rear end of the support-arm pieces are sandwiched about therod. To accomodate a pivot 79, aligned openings are provided in theleft-support-arm piece, the rod, and the right-support-arm piece. Thepivot is a smoothly finished, cyclindrically-shaped piece of metal withthreading at one end and a flange at the other end. A slot is providedon the outside of the flange to receive a flathead screwdriver. Thepivot opening on the right-support-arm piece is unthreaded and theopening on the left-support-arm piece is threaded.

[0150] Openings are provided in the support-arm pieces to receive screwsfor securing the support-arm pieces together about the seat post of thebicycle. The forward ends of the right and left support-arm pieces areclamped together about the seat post of the bicycle using screws 83. Theright-side-support-arm piece has unthreaded holes and theleft-side-support-arm piece has threaded holes to receive the screws.

[0151] The upper edges of the bracket pieces are shaped so that theedges come together in front of the rod. The shaping forms a pivot stopthat limits pivot motion in the forward direction, enabling the rod tosupport a load when tension is applied to cord 75.

[0152] The rod is pivotably mounted so that it can be tilted backwardsto provide leg clearance when the bicycle is mounted or dismounted.During a ride, the rod is pivoted to the forwardmost position, againstthe pivot stop, so that it can support tension in the head support.

[0153] The present embodiment is more expensive to manufacture than theaforementioned embodiments since it includes more elaborate hardwarecomponents such as the mounting bracket and rod. Further, the presentembodiment is more difficult to prepare for use since the rod assemblymust first be mounted to the bicycle. However, once installed, thepresent embodiment is easier to use than the aforementioned embodimentsin that the rider need not wear special clothing, attach garment clipsor wear leg loops. All that is required prior to use is to connect thedetachable helmet fastener to the helmet. The rider is then ready for acomfortable cycling experience with reduced muscle ache in the neck andupper back.

[0154] Description—FIG. 5—Head Support Employing a Fixed-Mounted Rod

[0155] An embodiment of a head support employing a fixed-mounted rod 91is illustrated in FIG. 5A as it would appear when in use. An enlargementof a rod-mounting bracket is illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0156] The head support 91 includes a helmet fastening system, abicycle-mounted rod 73A, and a head-lifting cord 75A extending betweenthe helmet fastening system and the bicycle-mounted rod.

[0157] A hook and loop fastening system detachably secures the upper endof head-lifting cord 75A to helmet 29. The helmet is any of the helmetsused to provide head protection for cyclists. The helmet is not part ofthe present embodiment.

[0158] The helmet fastening system includes a hook surface piece 25B anda loop surface piece 23B. The hook surface piece has a layer of adhesiveon the back for attachment to the helmet. (A similar helmet attachmentsystem is used for the embodiments of FIG. 1. and FIG. 4.)

[0159] Head-lifting cord 75A is a segment of cord, ribbon, rope,filament, line, webbing or strap. The cord may be at least partiallyelastic and stretchable depending on the flexibility of the rod. Thecombined flexure of the cord and rod is such that a comfortable straptension is maintained. As the cyclist crouches down, tension in the cordincreases, gently lifting the head to support a forward-facing headposture.

[0160] Rod 73A is made from a light-weight, flexible material such asfiberglass, composites, bamboo, or plastic with a circular crosssectional shape. The rod is bowed forward so that the top is positionedforward where it can be easily reached by the rider; yet, the lower endof the rod is positioned aft to provide sufficient clearance for therider's leg to be swung over the saddle when the bicycle is mounted ordismounted.

[0161] The rod length is about 5 feet; long enough to provide ampleheight for the cord to pass above the crouched riders back.

[0162] The lower end of cord 75A is joined to the upper end of rod 73Aby means of a snugly fitting metal sleeve that extends around bothpieces, binding them together.

[0163] Rod 73A is mounted to the bicycle with a pair of rod mountingclamps 95. The clamps are rings of metal, nylon or plastic that securerod 73A to the bicycle frame. The clamps are of a design similar tothose used to secure automotive radiator hoses. The clamps are rings ofmetal which can be opened, closed, and tightened around both the rod andthe frame members of the bicycle. Clamp 95 includes a liner of a softmaterial such as polypropylene to protect the bicycle from scratching.The liner is not shown.

[0164] The present embodiment shares many of the advantages anddisadvantages of the embodiment of FIG. 4. The present embodimentalleviates the need for the rider to wear special clothing, to put onleg loops or to attach garment clips. The present embodiment is simplerto manufacture than the embodiment using the pivotably mounted rod andcan probably be manufactured at a lower cost. However, the presentembodiment uses a longer rod that creates increased wind resistence.

[0165] Operation—FIG. 1—Head Support Employing Garment Clips

[0166] The head support employing garment clips is intended for use withexisting cycling helmets. The helmet is prepared for use by pressing theadhesive side of hook surface piece 25 against helmet 29. The adhesiveprovides a secure, permanent connection between the helmet and the hooksurface piece.

[0167] The rider opens garment clips 13, and closes them about theclothing covering the lower back, whether it be shorts, pants, or a bodysuit. The garment clips provide a means of anchoring the lower end ofthe support to the rider in the region of the lower back.

[0168] The cyclist puts on the prepared helmet, secures it in place withthe helmet chin strap, and attaches the neck strap to the helmet bypressing the loop surface piece of the neck strap onto the helmet hooksurface piece to provide a secure, detachable helmet connection.

[0169] The desired head-lifting tension is set by adjusting straplength. To increase strap tension, the strap is shortened. To reducestrap tension, the strap is lengthened. Ideally, strap tension issufficient to provide the desired head-lifting support yet does notrestrict the riders ability to face downward.

[0170] To shorten the strap, the free end of back strap 17 is pulleddown, causing the strap to pass through the buckle. To increase thelength, the lower end of the buckle is lifted in an outward direction,thereby allowing the strap to slide out of the ladder rungs. The tensionsetting depends on the rider's preference, but is typically sufficientsuch that little or no effort is required to face the head forward. Thestrap length adjustment can be made with one hand, while the headsupport is in use.

[0171] Since the strap has greater offset from the spinal column thanthe posterior muscles of the upper back and neck, the tension requiredto lift the head is less than the tension requirment using muscle alone.Consequently, the head support provides an overall reduction incompression of the spinal column.

[0172] After the ride, the rider dismounts the bicycle in the normalfashion. The helmet is disconnected by pulling the loop surface piece atthe end of the neck strap away from the hook surface piece on thehelmet. The head support is removed by disconnecting the garment clipsfrom the rider's trousers.

[0173] Operation—FIG. 2—Head Support Employing Leg Loops

[0174] No preparation is required for the present embodiment before use.The rider puts on the helmet and fastens the neck strap. Next the riderputs on the head support by stepping into the leg loops and pulling theloops up over the thighs. The rider grasps the neck strap, lifts the endof the strap toward the rider's head and connects thesnap-fastener-female member of the neck strap to the snap-fastener-malemember on the tower of the helmet.

[0175] The rider controls the degree of head support by adjusting eitherof two buckles. The neck-strap-length-adjustment buckle adjusts thelength of the neck strap, which is elastic and stretchable, andback-strap-length-adjustment buckle adjusts the length of the backstrap, which is not stretchable. By having two buckles, the rider cancontrol the length of the elastic strap and separately control theoverall strap length.

[0176] As the rider crouches down, the distance between the leg loopsand the helmet increases, causing the strap tension to increase. If theelastic portion of the support is too long, the tension will notincrease sufficiently to provide the desired support. If the elasticportion is too short, the tension will increase too suddenly as thecyclist crouches down, limiting the riders ability to face downward.

[0177] The neck-strap-adjustment buckle uses a ladder-lock type buckle.The neck strap is lengthened by pulling the upper end of the buckledownward and outward to relieve the strap friction, enabling the strapto slide through the ladder rungs. The strap is shortened by pulling thelower end of the neck strap upwards.

[0178] The back-strap-adjustment buckle uses a slider-type buckle foradjustment of the inelastic back strap. Sliding the buckle up towardsthe head lengthens the strap, sliding the buckle down towards the lowerback shortens the strap. Before the buckle can be moved, strap tensionmust first be relieved by having the cyclist rise to an upright posture.

[0179] Periodically the back strap tension is re-adjusted to accomodatethe changing support preferences of the cyclist over the duration of theride.

[0180] After the ride, the rider dismounts the bicycle, disconnects thesnap fastener system from the helmet, and pulls the leg loops down toremove them from the legs.

[0181] Operation—FIG. 3—Head Support a Employing Garment with anIntegrated Pelvic Harness

[0182] Prior to use the rider prepares the helmet by attaching looppiece 59. The attachment is made by passing the break-away connection ofthe loop in through one vent hole and out through another vent hole, andthen back out through the loop piece. This arrangement secures the loopto the helmet.

[0183] The rider wears the prepared helmet and cycling garment 57. Thefemale and male breakaway connections are joined, and the hip strapbuttons 63 are passed through button holes 65 of the cycling garment.Collar clip 49 is attached to the collar of the rider. The purpose ofthe collar clip and holder cord is to prevent back strap 17B fromdangling and possibly becoming tangled in the wheels should thebreakaway connection detach. This particular embodiment has no means foradjusting strap tension.

[0184] The rider cycles in the usual fashion, except that the headsupport provides an effortless forward-facing head posture. The tensionof the back strap is comfortably supported by the leg loops incorporatedinto the cycling garment of the present embodiment.

[0185] After the ride, the rider dismounts the bicycle, disconnects thebreakaway helmet connection, unclips garment clip 49 from the rider'scollar, and unbuttons the hip straps to detach them from the trousers.

[0186] Operation—FIG. 4—Head Support Employing a Pivotably-Mounted Rod

[0187] Prior to use, rod mounting-bracket assembly 76 is mounted to thebicycle frame using the following steps. First, protection sleeve 81 iswrapped about the bicycle-saddle-post tube. Support-arm pieces 77 areplaced on each side of the sleeve. Once in place, screws 83 are insertedand tightened to secure mounting-bracket assembly 76 to the bicycle. Rod73 is positioned so that the support-arm-pivot opening aligns with theopening at the lower end of the rod. Pivot pin 79 is passed through theright-side-support-arm-pivot opening, through the rod, and turned with ascrew driver to engage the threading of the pivot with the threading ofthe left-side-support-arm-pivot opening.

[0188] The rod is pivoted backwards so that the rider can swing his legover the saddle as he mounts the bicycle. After mounting, the cyclistgrasps the rod, and pulls it forward. The loop surface piece at the endof the cord is grasped and pressed against the hook surface on thehelmet. The head support is ready for use.

[0189] The rider is ready to begin cycling. As the rider crouches down,the head-support tension increases, lifting the head into an effortless,forward-facing posture. The cyclist rides the bicycle in the usualfashion, but in greater comfort. After the ride, the cyclist detachesthe loop surface piece from the helmet, pivots the rod backwards, anddismounts the bicycle in the usual fashion.

[0190] Operation—FIG. 5—Head Support Employing a Fixed Mounted Rod

[0191] Prior to use, the rod is attached to the bicycle frame usingmounting rings 95. The rings are fully opened and wrapped around thebicycle frame and the rod. The rod is positioned such that the lower endpasses through the rings, and the rod is aligned roughly vertically,with a slight tilt backwards. The rings are loosely tightened to holdthe rod in place. The cyclist then mounts the bicycle to test the rodposition.

[0192] Ideally the cyclist's leg can be swung over the saddle withoutbeing obstructed by the rod. If the rod obstructs the leg when the ridermounts the bicycle, the rod must be repositioned, with a greatertilt-back angle to increase leg clearance. The tilt-back angle shouldnot be too great, or the cyclist will not be able to reach the cord whenit is hanging down before attachment to the helmet. If the cord cannotbe reached, the rod should be slanted further forward, bringing the cordcloser to the rider. When the rod is positioned correctly, the fasteningrings are tightened to secure the rod in place.

[0193] The helmet is prepared for use by pressing the adhesive side ofhook surface piece 25B against helmet 29. The adhesive provides asecure, permanent connection between the helmet and the hook surfacepiece.

[0194] The rider mounts the bicycle in the usual fashion. The riderreaches back and grabs the head-lifting cord and presses theloop-surface piece against the helmet hook-surface piece to provide abreakaway connection between the cord and the helmet.

[0195] The cyclist rides the bicycle in the usual manner with aneffortless, forward-facing head posture. After the ride, the loopsurface piece is pulled off the helmet, and the rider dismounts thebicycle in the normal fashion.

[0196] Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

[0197] Accordingly, the reader will see that the head supports of thisinvention provide improved ride comfort, reduced muscle ache in the neckand upper back, and potential to improve speed, endurance and safety.The devices are simple, easy-to-produce, inexpensive-to-manufacture, andeasy-to-use.

[0198] Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. For example, the head support may connectto types of head gear other than a helmet such as goggles, head bands,motorcycle helmets, horse riding helmets, skull caps and other types ofhead gear.

[0199] The example embodiments described in this application illustratea number of different components suitable for use in the cycling headsupport. The embodiments illustrate how particular components can beused, but are not intended to limit which combinations of components aresuitable. Rather, the components should be considered interchangeablefrom one embodiment to another. For example, the helmet tower of theembodiment of FIG. 2 is equally suitable with any of the otherembodiments. Similarly, the use of two strap-length adjustments, used inthe embodiment of FIG. 2, provides similar benefits when used the otherembodiments. Further, the holder cord and collar clip of the embodimentof FIG. 3 are also suitable for use with each of the other embodiments.As such, the various components descrived herein can be mixed andmatched to provide additional embodiments of the present invention.

[0200] Further, the hip straps of the first embodiment may be omitted byextending the length of the back strap and securing a single garmentclip to the lower end. The hip straps of the second embodiment may beomitted by increasing the length of the leg loops so that the upper endsof the leg loops can be connected to each other and then directly to thelower end of the back strap. Further, for each of the embodimentsemploying hip straps, the hip strap length may be extended without lossof performance.

[0201] The embodiments of the present invention employ several differentof means for adjusting the length of straps and cords including sliderbuckles, ladder-lock buckles and slides. However, there exist a varietyof additional means for length adjustment that are also suitable for theinvention including side release buckles, military style belt buckles,pin buckles, cord locks, hook and loop strap connections andhelmet-mounted cleats. Further, the different options for strap-lengthadjustment are interchangeable among the different embodiments.

[0202] Lastly, in the detachable helmet fastening systems, the fasteningelements can be interchanged. For example, the hook and loop fasteningsystem has equal effectiveness if the loop-surface piece has adhesivefor attachment to the helmet and the hook-surface piece is stitched tothe neck strap. Similarly, the snap fastener pieces can be switched suchthat the snap-fastener-male member is secured to the helmet and thesnap-fastener-female member is secured to the neck strap. Further, thebreakaway connection male and female pieces can be interchanged, suchthat the female piece is secured to the loop piece and the male memberis secured to the back strap.

[0203] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

I claim:
 1. A head support comprising a back strap assembly having anupper end and a lower end, with at least one strap segment beingsubstantially elastic and stretchable, a means for connecting to anarticle of head gear is secured to said upper end of said back strapassembly,a means for attachment to a rider is secured to said lower endof said back strap assembly, whereby tension in said back strap assemblyurges a forward-facing head posture.
 2. The head support of claim 1further including a means for length adjustment for said back strapassembly.
 3. The head support of claim 2 wherein said means for lengthadjustment is selected from a group consisting of ladder-lock buckles,slider buckles, and cord slides.
 4. The head support of claim 1 furtherincluding a means for length adjustment for the segment of back strapthat is stretchable and a separate means for length adjustment for thesegment of back strap that is not stretchable.
 5. The head support ofclaim 1 wherein said means for attachment to said rider is at least onegarment clip.
 6. The head support of claim 1 wherein said means forattachment to said rider is a pair of leg loops.
 7. The head support ofclaim 1 wherein said means for attachment to said rider is a garmenthaving an integrated pelvic harness.
 8. The head support of claim 1wherein said means for connecting to said article of head gear isdetachable.
 9. The head support of claim 1 wherein said means forconnecting to said article of head gear is break-away detachable. 10.The head support of claim 9 wherein the break-away detachable connectionis a hook and loop fastening system having a hook surface piece and aloop surface piece.
 11. The head support of claim 10 further including alayer of adhesive substantially covering a back side of said hook andloop fastening system whereby the fastening system can be secured to anexisting article of head gear.
 12. The head support of claim 1 furtherincluding a specialized article of head gear having a fastening systemfixture that can detachably connect to the upper end of said back strapassembly.
 13. The head support device of claim 12 further including atower, the lower end of the tower being secured to the article of headgear and the upper end of the tower being secured to a component of saidmeans for connecting to an article of head gear whereby the towerprovides offset for increased head lifting leverage.
 15. The headsupport of claim 12 wherein the means of connecting said upper end ofsaid back strap assembly to said specialized article of head gearcomprises a snap fastening system.
 20. The head support of claim 19wherein said means for connecting said rod to said bicycle framecomprises one or more clamps.
 21. The head support of claim 19 whereinsaid means for connecting said rod to said bicycle frame is a means forpivotably connecting said rod to said bicycle frame.
 22. The headsupport of claim 19 wherein said means for pivotably connecting said rodto said bicycle frame comprises one or more bracket arms that clampabout a bicycle frame at one end and at the other end have a pivotablemount for the rod.
 23. The head support of claim 17 further including ameans for cord length adjustment.
 24. The head support of claim 23wherein said means for cord-assembly-length adjustment is a slide. 25.The head support of claim 17 wherein the means for connecting to saidarticle of head gear is detachable.
 26. The head support of claim 17wherein the means for connecting to said article of head gear isbreak-away detachable.
 27. The head support of claim 26 wherein thebreakaway detachable connection is a hook and loop fastening systemhaving a hook surface piece and a loop surface piece.
 28. The headsupport of claim 26 further including a layer of adhesive substantiallycovering a back side of said hook and loop fastening system whereby thefastening system can be secured to an existing article of head gear. 29.The head support of claim 17 further including a specialized article ofhead gear having a fastening system fixture that can detachably connectto the upper end of the cord assembly.
 30. The head support device ofclaim 29 further including a tower, the lower end of the tower beingsecured to the article of head gear and the upper end of the tower beingsecured to a fixture for connecting to the upper end of the cordassembly whereby the tower provides offset to increase head liftingleverage.
 31. The head support of claim 29 wherein the means ofconnecting the article of head gear to the cord assembly comprises asnap fastening system.
 32. The head support device of claim 17 furtherincluding a holder cord secured at one end to the cord assembly andsecured at the other end to a garment clip whereby the garment clip canbe attached to a rider's collar to prevent the cord assembly fromdangling while the head gear connection is detached.